Master Photoshop Like a Pro: 72 Essential Shortcuts for Faster Editing

Photoshop is an incredibly powerful tool, but it can be overwhelming to navigate through its extensive menus and options. Mastering keyboard shortcuts can drastically speed up your workflow, allowing you to focus on creativity rather than menu diving. Below is a comprehensive list of Photoshop shortcuts, categorized by functionality, that every designer, photographer, and digital artist should know.

Adobe Interface

General Use Shortcuts

01. Show/Hide Layers Panel
- MAC & WINDOWS: F7
- Quickly toggle the visibility of the Layers, Channels, and Paths panels.
02. Scroll Through Layers
- MAC: Option + [ ]
- WINDOWS: Alt + [ ]
- Navigate through your layers effortlessly.
03. Create New Layer
- MAC: Shift + Cmd + N
- WINDOWS: Shift + Ctrl + N
- Open a new layer and dialog box instantly.
04. Create New Layer Behind Selected Layer
- MAC: Cmd + New Layer icon
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + New Layer Icon
- Drop a new layer behind the selected one.
05. Fill a Layer
- MAC: Alt + Backspace (foreground) or Cmd + Backspace (background)
- WINDOWS: Alt + Delete (foreground) or Ctrl + Delete (background)
- Quickly fill layers with your selected colors.

Layer Management Shortcuts

06. Flatten Layers
- MAC: Cmd + Alt + Shift + E
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + E
- Create a flattened version of your image while preserving the original layers.
07. Merge Visible Layers
- MAC: Cmd + Shift + E
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + Shift + E
- Merge all visible layers into one.
08. Stamp Down Selected Layers
- MAC: Cmd + Alt + E
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + Alt + E
- Merge selected layers into a new one, while preserving the originals.
09. New Layer via Copy
- MAC: Cmd + J
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + J
- Duplicate your layer with ease.
10. New Layer via Cut
- MAC: Cmd + Shift + J
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + Shift + J
- Cut and paste selected content into a new layer.

Selection Shortcuts

Selection in Photoshop

11. Reselect
- MAC: Cmd + Shift + D
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + Shift + D
- Restore a previous selection.
12. Invert Selection
- MAC: Cmd + Shift + I
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + Shift + I
- Select everything except the current selection.
13. Load Layer Transparency as Selection
- MAC: Cmd + Click layer thumbnail
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + Click layer thumbnail
- Quickly select all non-transparent pixels in a layer.
14. Deselect
- MAC: Cmd + D
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + D
- Deselect everything in the image.
15. Move a Selection
- MAC & WINDOWS: Spacebar + Marquee tool
- Move your selection without altering its size.

Brushes and Filling Shortcuts

Brush and filling

16. Show/Hide Brush Panel
- MAC & WINDOWS: F5
- Access the Brush Settings panel instantly.
17. Increase/Decrease Brush Size
- MAC & WINDOWS: ] / [
- Adjust your brush size on the fly.
18. Fill
- MAC & WINDOWS: Shift + F5
- Quickly fill a selection with color or pattern.
19. Default Foreground/Background Color
- MAC & WINDOWS: D
- Reset your colors to black and white.
20. Switch Foreground/Background Colors
- MAC & WINDOWS: X
- Toggle between foreground and background colors.

Text Shortcuts

21. Increase/Decrease Text Size by 2pts
- MAC: Cmd + Shift + > / <
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + Shift + > / <
- Fine-tune your text size.
22. Increase/Decrease Kerning or Tracking
- MAC: Option + Right/Left Arrow
- WINDOWS: Alt + Right/Left Arrow
- Adjust the spacing between characters.
23. Align Text Left/Center/Right
- MAC: Cmd + Shift + L/C/R
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + Shift + L/C/R
- Quickly align text in your design.

Saving and Closing Shortcuts

24. Save for Web & Devices
- MAC: Cmd + Shift + Option + S
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + Shift + Alt + S
- Optimize your images for web use with a single command.
25. Close All Except Current Document
- MAC: Cmd + Option + P
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + Alt + P
- Tidy up your workspace by closing all other documents.
26. Close and Go to Bridge
- MAC: Cmd + Shift + W
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + Shift + W
- Switch directly to Adobe Bridge after closing your current document.

Image Editing Shortcuts

27. Levels
- MAC: Cmd + L
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + L
- Open the Levels adjustment dialog.
28. Free Transform
- MAC: Cmd + T
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + T
- Resize, rotate, or skew your image.
29. Curves
- MAC: Cmd + M
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + M
- Quickly access the Curves adjustment.
30. Hue/Saturation
- MAC: Cmd + U
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + U
- Fine-tune the colors in your image.

3D Work Shortcuts

31. Show/Hide Polygons
- MAC: Option + Cmd + X
- WINDOWS: Alt + Ctrl + X
- Toggle visibility of polygons in 3D models.
32. Render
- MAC: Option + Shift + Cmd + R
- WINDOWS: Alt + Shift + Ctrl + R
- Render your 3D model to a final output.

Viewing Shortcuts

33. View Actual Pixels
- MAC: Cmd + Option + 0
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + Alt + 0
- View your image at 100% zoom.
34. Fit on Screen
- MAC: Cmd + 0
- WINDOWS: Ctrl + 0
- Fit your entire image within the screen.
35. Toggle Screen Modes

MAC & WINDOWS: F
Cycle through different screen modes to focus on your work.

36. Switch Foreground/Background Colors (X)
This command toggles between your foreground and background colors. It’s a simple yet effective shortcut that can speed up your workflow, especially during retouching or painting tasks.

37. Increase/Decrease Brush Hardness (Shift+] / Shift+[)
Adjusting the hardness of your brush is crucial for getting the right edge in your strokes. Use this shortcut to fine-tune the hardness without having to manually adjust it in the settings panel.

38. Previous/Next Brush (,) / (.)
Scroll through your brush presets with ease by using the comma and period keys. This allows you to quickly find the right brush without interrupting your creative flow.

39. First/Last Brush (<) / (>)
Skip straight to the first or last brush in your brush preset list. This is particularly handy when you have a large collection of brushes and need to get to the extremes quickly.

40. Toggle Airbrush Option (Shift+Opt+P / Shift+Alt+P)
Activate the airbrush option for a softer, gradual application of your brush strokes. This is especially useful for achieving realistic shading or spray effects.

Photoshop Shortcuts: Saving and Closing

41. Save for Web & Devices (Cmd+Shift+Opt+S / Ctrl+Shift+Alt+S)
Optimize your images for web use with this shortcut, which opens the Save for Web dialog box. It’s a quick way to adjust file size, format, and other settings before exporting your work.

42. Close All Open Documents Except the Current One (Cmd+Opt+P / Ctrl+Alt+P)

Declutter your workspace by closing all open documents except the one you're currently working on. This is a great way to stay focused without the distraction of multiple tabs.

43. Close and Go to Bridge (Cmd+Shift+W / Ctrl+Shift+W)

Quickly close your current document and open Adobe Bridge to browse and manage your files. This is ideal for organizing your assets between edits.

Photoshop Shortcuts: Working with Images

Working with Images

44. Levels (Cmd+L / Ctrl+L)

The Levels command is essential for adjusting the tonal range of your image. Use this shortcut to bring up the Levels dialog box and make quick adjustments to brightness and contrast.

45. Free Transform (Cmd+T / Ctrl+T)

Resize, rotate, skew, and warp your image using the Free Transform tool. This shortcut is indispensable for adjusting elements within your composition.

46. Curves (Cmd+M / Ctrl+M)

Curves offer precise control over the brightness and contrast of your image. This shortcut brings up the Curves dialog box, where you can make detailed adjustments to your image’s tonal range.

47. Color Balance (Cmd+B / Ctrl+B)

Quickly adjust the colors in your image with this shortcut. The Color Balance tool is perfect for correcting color casts or enhancing the overall tone of your photo.

48. Hue/Saturation (Cmd+U / Ctrl+U)

Fine-tune the colors in your image by adjusting the hue, saturation, and lightness. This shortcut is key for achieving the perfect color balance in your edits.

49. Desaturate (Cmd+Shift+U / Ctrl+Shift+U)

Convert your image to grayscale while maintaining the original color mode. This command is ideal for creating black-and-white images without permanently altering the original file.

50. Auto Tone/Auto Contrast/Auto Color (Shift+Cmd+L / Shift+Ctrl+L, Opt+Shift+Cmd+L / Alt+Shift+Ctrl+L, Shift+Cmd+B / Shift+Ctrl+B)

These quick-fix shortcuts apply automatic adjustments to tone, contrast, and color. While not always perfect, they provide a good starting point for further manual tweaks.

51. Lens Correction (Shift+Cmd+R / Shift+Ctrl+R)

Correct lens distortions such as barrel and pincushion effects with this shortcut. It’s particularly useful for architectural photography or any image where straight lines appear curved.

52. Adaptive Wide Angle (Opt+Shift+Cmd+A / Opt+Shift+Ctrl+A)

This tool helps straighten curved lines caused by wide-angle lenses. Use this shortcut to access the Adaptive Wide Angle filter and correct distortions in panoramic images or photos taken with fisheye lenses.

53. Camera Raw Filter (Shift+Cmd+A / Shift+Ctrl+A)

Apply non-destructive adjustments to your images with the Camera Raw filter. This shortcut opens the Camera Raw interface directly within Photoshop, giving you access to powerful editing tools.

54. Content-Aware Scale (Cmd+Shift+Opt+C / Ctrl+Shift+Alt+C)

Resize images without distorting key elements using the Content-Aware Scale. This shortcut is perfect for adjusting the size of an image while keeping important content intact.

55. Content-Aware Move (Shift+J)

Move objects within your image while filling in the background seamlessly. This shortcut cycles through tools and brings up the Content-Aware Move tool, making it easier to reposition elements in your composition.

56. Create Clipping Mask (Cmd+Opt+G / Ctrl+Alt+G)

Use a clipping mask to control the visibility of one layer based on another layer’s transparency. This shortcut is essential for non-destructive editing and creating complex layer effects.

57. Cycle Through Blending Modes (Shift++ / Shift+-)

Experiment with different blending modes to achieve unique effects in your compositions. Use this shortcut to quickly cycle through the available modes and find the perfect look.

58. Black and White Dialog Box (Cmd+Shift+Opt+B / Ctrl+Shift+Alt+B)

Convert your color images to black and white with more control using this shortcut. It opens the Black and White adjustment dialog box, allowing you to fine-tune the grayscale conversion.

59. Change Image Size (Cmd+Opt+I / Ctrl+Alt+I)

Quickly adjust the dimensions of your image with this shortcut. It brings up the Image Size dialog box, where you can resize your image while maintaining its quality.

60. Change Canvas Size (Cmd+Opt+C / Ctrl+Alt+C)

Expand or shrink your canvas without affecting the content of your image. This shortcut opens the Canvas Size dialog box, making it easy to adjust the overall workspace.

Photoshop Shortcuts: 3D Work

Photoshop Shortcuts

61. Show/Hide Polygons (Opt+Cmd+X / Alt+Ctrl+X) When working with 3D models, this shortcut reveals the polygons that make up your object. It’s crucial for ensuring that your 3D geometry is clean and optimized.

62. Render (Opt+Shift+Cmd+R / Alt+Shift+Ctrl+R) Once you’ve finalized your 3D model, use this shortcut to render the highest quality version for output. This command creates a detailed and polished version of your 3D work.

Photoshop Shortcuts: Viewing

63. View Actual Pixels (Cmd+Opt+0 / Ctrl+Alt+0)

Zoom in to view your image at 100% (actual pixel size). This shortcut is essential for checking the fine details of your work, ensuring that everything is pixel-perfect.

64. Fit on Screen (Cmd+0 / Ctrl+0)

Quickly fit your entire image within the screen with this shortcut. It’s perfect for getting an overview of your work and seeing how it looks as a whole.

65. Toggle Between Screen Modes (F)

Switch between different screen modes, such as full screen or standard screen mode. This shortcut helps you focus on your work by eliminating distractions like toolbars and panels.

66. Zoom In (Cmd++ / Ctrl++)

Get a closer look at your image by zooming in. This shortcut is indispensable for detailed work that requires precision.

67. Zoom Out (Cmd+- / Ctrl+-)

Zoom out to see your image from a broader perspective. This is useful for evaluating the overall composition and making sure everything looks balanced.

Photoshop Shortcuts: Text

68. Increase/Decrease Text Size by 2pts (Cmd+Shift+>/Cmd+Shift+< / Ctrl+Shift+>/Ctrl+Shift+<) Fine-tune the size of your selected text in 2-point increments. This shortcut is great for making quick adjustments without having to enter specific values.

69. Increase/Decrease Text Size by 10pts (Cmd+Opt+Shift+>/Cmd+Opt+Shift+< / Ctrl+Alt+Shift+>/Ctrl+Alt+Shift+<)

Need to make a more significant change to your text size? This shortcut allows you to increase or decrease the size by 10 points, perfect for dramatic adjustments.

70. Increase/Decrease Kerning or Tracking (Opt+Right Arrow/Opt+Left Arrow / Alt+Right Arrow/Alt+Left Arrow)

Adjust the spacing between characters (kerning) or the overall spacing of text (tracking) with these shortcuts. They’re essential for fine-tuning typography in your designs.

71. Align Text Left/Center/Right (Cmd+Shift+L/C/R / Ctrl+Shift+L/C/R)

Quickly align your text to the left, center, or right of its bounding box. This shortcut is great for experimenting with different text alignments in your layout.

72. Show/Hide Selection on Selected Type (Cmd+H / Ctrl+H)

Hide or reveal the selection outline on your text, making it easier to focus on the content without distractions.

How to Customize Photoshop Shortcuts

Photoshop comes with an array of default shortcuts, but if they don't suit your workflow, you can easily customize them. To create or modify shortcuts:

Go to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts or Window > Workspace > Keyboard Shortcuts & Menus.
Select the Keyboard Shortcuts tab in the dialog box.
Choose a Shortcut Set: From Application Menus, Panel Menus, Tools, or Taskspaces.
Assign a New Shortcut: Click on the command you want to modify and type in a new shortcut.
Save Your Custom Set: If prompted, name and save your new shortcut set.

Final Thoughts

Mastering Photoshop shortcuts is key to improving your efficiency and creativity. By incorporating these shortcuts into your daily workflow, you'll spend less time navigating menus and more time creating stunning visuals.